The accomplishments of UH Hilo’s Women’s Cross Country and Volleyball teams will be recognized in the opening day of this year’s Hawaii State Legislative session.

Through the initiative and encouragement of State Rep. Jerry Chang, House Speaker Calvin Say will acknowledge UH Hilo teams in his speech on opening day at the Capitol Rotunda after the opening ceremony celebrating UH’s 100 year centennial.

UH Hilo’s women’s cross country team repeated as Pacific West Conference Champions and coach Jaime Guerpo was named PWC (women’s) Coach of the Year. Team members are Kari Andrews, Ashley Benson, Alison Engle, Nina Hagemann, Kelly Rogers, Alejandra Sanchez and Malia Williams. Laura Hernandez was the assistant coach. Kari Andrews, Kelly Rogers and Alejandra Sanchez were named to the All-PacWest Conference first team, while Nina Hagemann and Ashley Benson were named to the second team.

UH Hilo’s volleyball team also captured Pacific West Conference Championship and coach Bruce Atkinson was named PWC Coach of the Year. Team members are Desiree Agader, Lauren Bayer, Mary Claire Bolo, Morgan Bonney, Kelli Ann Chun, Kaniu Hernandez, Hillary Hurley, Shawna Kaiura, Kauwila Laveu, ‘Eleu Novikoff, Hoku Oleole, Josemara Pinheiro, Laura Rodriguez, Fabiane Seben, Chelsea Spadaro, Laura Thompson, Lauren Tonokawa and Kiani Yasak. Assistant coaches were Gavin Rudder and Taina Savage. Fabiane Seben was selected Player of the Year. Laura Rodriguez was selected Libero of the Year. Hillary Hurley was selected Freshman of the Year. Lauren Bayer was selected Newcomer of the Year. Seben, Rodriguez and Hurley earned first-team All-PacWest Conference recognition while Bayer, Desiree Agader and Josemara Pinheiro were on the second team.

Congratulations to the Vulcans!